Emerson Lee King, 89, passed away April 11, 2025. He was born on February 25, 1936, in Brunswick, GA, the seventh of nine children, to Annie Harris and Major Miles King, Sr. Growing up, he was known for his love of comic books, reading, photography, and Saturday matinee movie serials. With dreams of being a pilot, he followed his elder brothers into military service in 1953, joining the Air Force on his 17th birthday. Nearsightedness kept him grounded, however, where he found he had a knack for numbers. Post-service, he enrolled in Perry Business School, graduating their 4-year program with a concentration in Accounting. This led to steady office work in such companies as Crown Royal, Culligan Water, Rayco Oil & Gas, Ploof Truck Lines, and eventually a sole proprietorship as Tax-Wise Accounting & Business Services starting in the mid-1980s. During this time, he also provided wedding and portrait photography services part-time under the name, Photography by Emerson King… Naturally!. He semi-retired from full-time work in the mid-1990s, trading ledgers and tax forms for sippy cups and snack time along with wife, Elsie, who took early retirement to care for their grandchildren. Raised in the Salvation Army church, Emerson joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1963, where not long after he would meet the love of his life in Elsie. After marrying in June 1967, together they raised four children and were active in numerous church callings over the years. A loving husband, father, and doting grandfather, he treasured time with family above all else.
Emerson was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Elsie; 5 brothers and 3 sisters, and grandson Bradley M. King, Jr. He is survived by his children: son Bradley M. King, Sr; daughters Kristi L. McCollum, Kathi A. King, and Kelli E. Thomason (David); 10 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held 11:15 am, Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 5100 Firestone Road, Jacksonville, FL 32210. The family will receive visitors at the church from 9:45am-10:45am preceding the service. After the service, interment will follow at the Jacksonville National Cemetery at 2pm. Arrangements are under the care of Fraser Funeral Home, 8168 Normandy Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32221.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Jacksonville National Cemetery
Darlene & David Oliphant
April 21, 2025, 3:03 pm
So Sorry to hear of Emerson’s passing. We want to send our condolences to the family . We knew the Kings very well and considered them good friends. We will not be able to attend the funeral servicers as we had made other plans for that day.. We will miss seeing everyone but want you to know that we are sorry for your loss. The Oliphants: Darlene and David and family